Nicholas Oyler – Bikeway & Pedestrian Program Manager

The Big Jump Project in South Memphis is taking a leap with a flurry of events this weekend. We’re calling Memphians to show up, lend a hand, and have a fun time.

See the Future

After months of public workshops and design activities, we’ll be releasing for comment the first draft of the Big Jump Implementation Plan for South Memphis. This plan will propose a connected network of safe streets to receive improvements that calm traffic, and increase the safety of walking and bicycling. A temporary traffic calming demonstration project (see below) will also be located around the corner so residents can experience some of the proposed improvements in the real world.

Bicycle parking is provided on the plaza between the community center’s main entrance and S. Third St. Explore Bike Share will also provide a temporary docking station in front of the community center’s main entrance.

At workshops held in South Memphis, residents helped us design a network of safe streets.

Paint the Street

We need your help!

Working with neighborhood residents and stakeholders, we’re undertaking a traffic calming demonstration project around the corner from the Big Jump Open House. Members of the public are needed as volunteers to assist with the project’s installation.

The more volunteers we have, the more we can get on the ground. Tasks will include painting with spray cans, placing adhesive markings on the street, minor landscaping, and trash pickup. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult parent/guardian/teacher (bear in mind that this work will take place in a street partially open to traffic).

WHERE: For both opportunities, meet at the intersection of Walker Ave. and Lauderdale St., in front of Ida B. Wells Academy

HOW: Please send an email to Eric Neimeyer at The Works, Inc. (eric.neimeyer@theworkscdc.org) stating your intent to volunteer, and show up Friday or Saturday ready to work. We’ll provide gloves (and light refreshments on Saturday morning), but come dressed expecting to get your cloths dirty.

Who wants to help us install a temporary traffic circle similar to this one on Walker Ave.?

Ride with a Smile

The South Memphis Glide Rides return this Saturday, and will be a perfect way to visit the Big Jump Open House + Demonstration Project. These are fun, social, and slow-moving bicycle rides around South Memphis. The first Glide Ride of the season will travel down Walker Avenue and stop at the open house. This season, Glide Ride participants will have the option to take a shorter, two-mile route if they would prefer.

WHAT: South Memphis Glide Rides

WHEN: Starting this Saturday,Oct. 27, but will also be held on Nov. 3, Nov. 10, & Nov. 18. All rides will start at 10:30 Am.

WHERE: For each ride, meet at the South Memphis Farmers Market (1400 Mississippi Blvd.)

As part of its participation in the Big Jump project from PeopleForBikes, Memphis was invited to send a delegation on a European study tour covering the topic of livable communities. The tour will concentrate on the ways in which towns and cities deliver safe environments for walking and bicycling, as well as how the residents of those communities incorporate these active modes of transportation into their daily lives.

All costs associated with participation in the study tour are being covered entirely through the gracious financial support of the Hyde Family Foundations and PeopleForBikes.

The Memphis delegation consists of:

Mairi Albertson, City of Memphis Housing and Community Development

Greg Dotson, Neel-Schaeffer, Inc.

Stephen Edwards, City of Memphis Engineering

Marlon Foster, Knowledge Quest

Rebecca Hutchinson, Soulsville Neighborhood Association

Eric Neimeyer, The Works, Inc.

Lyndsey Pender, The Works, Inc.

Nicholas Oyler, City of Memphis Engineering

As a condition for their acceptance of the eight available spots, each delegate has committed to undertaking a community project in South Memphis as part of the Big Jump. The projects will be executed within one year after the study tour. Delegates will announce the individual projects a few weeks after returning from the trip, and after being inspired by what they’ve experienced abroad.

Over the next several days, we’ll provide glimpses of the lessons learned in Germany and The Netherlands. Follow our journey on the BikePedMemphis Facebook and Twitter accounts.